Myeloma Center

The UAMS Myeloma Center is one of the largest centers in the world for research and clinical care related to myeloma and related disorders. Our success in treating multiple myeloma patients is based on the findings of our research program. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells. Nationwide, the median survival rate of patients with multiple myeloma is only about four years. But at our UAMS Myeloma Center, the survival rate is closer to eight or nine years, and many patients treated at our center are considered cured. Five-year survival rates at the Myeloma Center are greater than 65% — nearly twice the average of any other treatment facility.

Why UAMS is the Authority in Multiple Myeloma Therapies and Research

Many breakthroughs in therapies to treat myeloma have been accomplished at our center. UAMS was the first to:

• Use tandem bone marrow/peripheral blood stem cell transplants
• Perform transplants on an outpatient basis
• Safely transplant patients age 70 and above
• Introduce thalidomide as anti-angiogenesis therapy
• Identify myeloma subtypes based on gene expression profiling
• Design treatment regimens specific to disease subtype

The UAMS Myeloma Center sees more patients with myeloma and related diseases per year than any other institution in the world. On any given day, there are more than 200 myeloma patients staying in Little Rock for diagnosis and treatment. UAMS can offer hope to you and your family as you deal with a disease that is challenging to treat.

Learn more about the UAMS Myeloma Center.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute in Little Rock now offers COVID-19 vaccinations to all eligible residents.  For more information regarding vaccine availability, and who can get vaccinated, click here.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma or another related cancer, contact our Intake Office for an appointment.  No referral necessary.  The Myeloma Intake Office is staffed by specially trained intake coordinators and nurses who will ensure all pertinent medical and insurance information is obtained prior to your first visit. Information needed to make a first time appointment:

• Name, Date of Birth, Address, and Contact Information
• Health Insurance
• Physician’s name and contact information

What to Expect at Your Appointment

A first-time visit to the Myeloma Center involves five to seven days of comprehensive evaluation, including extensive diagnostic testing, nurse and physician visits.

The Myeloma Center is located in the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute on the UAMS campus. Upon arrival at the Cancer Institute, you will go to the Myeloma Center clinic on the 8^th floor and check in at the registration desk. The registration clerk will confirm general information such as date of birth, address, and health insurance, and will give you a packet that contains your diagnostic testing schedule.

Diagnostic testing may include lab work, bone marrow biopsy, x-rays, MRI, bone density exam, PET scan, and unique molecular diagnostics.  Diagnostic testing will be done over three to four days.

Specially trained volunteers are available to help new patients navigate from one diagnostic test to the next.

You will meet with an intake nurse who will go over your medical history and an insurance specialist who will assist with health insurance issues and financial arrangements. You will also meet with a social worker to go over any concerns or special needs you might have.

After diagnostic testing has been completed and results have been posted in the electronic medical record, you will meet with your Myeloma Center physician.

Based on the results from your diagnostic tests, the physician might want to order additional tests or procedures at this point.* A recommended course of treatment will be outlined, and future visits to the Myeloma Center, if indicated, will be planned. Results of this first visit will be sent to your local/referring physician.

There is a lot of information to process during this first visit. It is helpful to keep a notebook and pen with you so you can write down important notes, questions and concerns. While we try to anticipate our patients’ needs, we encourage you to ask for additional information and assistance as needed.

All new patients are encouraged to attend a New Patient Orientation class, held every Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 pm.

*Since the physician might want to order additional testing, we recommend that you do not schedule your return flight home on the same day as your Myeloma Clinic appointment with the physician. You might want to consider purchasing a refundable ticket.